We have long understood the powerful effects of sound on the body. Music has been associated with healing and spirituality as far back as Ancient Greece, with the famous mathematician Pythagoras even being a strong advocate for its spiritual and health benefits. Music remains an important part of holistic healing practices today, and there is ‘sound’ science behind it..! In this article, we will talk you through the key healing frequencies and what benefits they can bring to your spiritual practice, meditation or self-care routine.
What Is Frequency? The Science Behind Sound
To understand the effects of different frequencies on the body, we have to understand what ‘frequency’ means in relation to sound. Sound waves are movements of air molecules that our ears and brains receive and translate into what we know as audible sound, or noise. The frequency of a sound wave is how many times it repeats itself in a second, measured in a unit called Hertz (Hz). So low-frequency sounds (e.g. 500Hz or lower) can be pictured as long waves that take longer to repeat. A high-frequency sound (e.g. 2000Hz;) is a short wave that repeats many times within a second. The human ear can register sounds from 20Hz up to 20,0000Hz.
It may sound far fetched, but exposing yourself to specific sound frequencies can initiate and regulate a wide range of bodily processes. If you picture the different sound frequencies as waves that penetrate the body (rather than just the sound our ears and brains associated with the frequencies), it becomes easier to imagine how sound can have such deep physical benefits. Some frequencies are associated with different bodily chakras, which are energetic centres of the body that often correlate with bundles of nerves or major organs.
What Impact Do Different Frequencies Have On The Human Body?
Sound frequency healing is the practice of using specific frequencies in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including insomnia, anxiety and depressions. We’ve detailed the important frequencies used in sounds frequency healing below.
40Hz
Sounds at a low frequency of 40Hz are used in the treatment of memory-related conditions like Dementia and Alzheimers. 40Hz is thought to be an important frequency for stimulating gamma waves in the brain, which is in turn an important aspect of memory function.
174Hz
As one of the Solfeggio frequencies, 174Hz is an important frequency in sacred or spiritual music and has long been associated with alleviating pain and stress. The Solfeggio frequencies have been used to promote the health of the body and mind since ancient times, and they are important components of ancient Indian Sanskrit chants and those of Gregorian Monks.
285Hz
Another of the Solfeggio frequencies, 285Hz is used specifically in the healing of physical ailments such as cuts and burns. This is due to the frequency activating cellular regeneration, which in turn speeds up the healing process.
396Hz
396Hz is another of the aforementioned Solfeggio frequencies. 396Hz is linked to the easing of negative feelings, particularly those of guilt and grief, and is associated with the root chakra (located at the base of the spine, or the pelvic floor). The root chakra is itself important for feelings of emotional and spiritual stability and balance.
417Hz
417Hz (another Solfeggio frequency) is generally used for the clearing of negative energy and emotional blockages and is associated with the sacral chakra. The sacral chakra is located above the pubic bone and rules feelings of self-worth, personal control and sexual pleasure.
528Hz
528Hz is perhaps the best known of the aforementioned Solfeggio frequencies, and is sometimes termed the ‘frequency of love’ or the ‘miracle note’. This musical tone has dominated the music of spiritual practices and ceremonies since ancient times. Today, there is scientific evidence to explain why- the frequency is found to have a powerful effect on the central nervous system and the endocrine system. The evidence suggests that as little as five minutes of exposure can reduce feelings of stress or tension. 528Hz relieves such symptoms by reducing the production of cortisol - a stress hormone and increasing the production of oxytocin - a stress-busting hormone.
639Hz
639Hz is the frequency of the heart chakra and is associated with initiating positive feelings and emotions. It is also thought to bring about greater attunement in interpersonal relationships by supporting communication practices and enhancing situational awareness.
963Hz
963Hz, also known as the ‘pure miracle tone’ or the ‘frequency of the gods’, is associated with the activation of the pineal gland. The pineal gland is found in the brain and produces melatonin - a hormone that modulates your sleep pattern and your circadian rhythms. The pineal gland has also long been associated with the third eye chakra, which controls intuition and feelings of openness.
Conclusions
Tuning in to music containing the aforementioned frequencies is free, and there is a body of scientific evidence that professes the wide-ranging benefits it can have on your body and mind. While just listening to these frequencies can have profound effects, these effects are often enhanced when combined with meditation. Why not try meditating to 528Hz, or a combination of the Solfeggio frequencies next time you are feeling stressed out or anxious?
